L’atelier des ecrivains – The Writers’ Workshop, France is a series of three four-day workshops set in the heart of Aquitaine in southwest France, and this year.
Set against the backdrop of pretty villages and rolling countryside, the courses focus on the practical skills and techniques needed for all types of fiction and creative writing. They are designed to work as standalone workshops or as a series that progress as the writers do.
To maximise learning and personal attention, groups will be limited to a small group of around 10 people. Included on the programme are optional wellbeing sessions, such as yoga and country walks, and inspiration sessions at nearby historical sites – all designed to fire up the creative process and help the words flow.
Helen is to be the lead tutor on the first workshop, which takes place between 20 and 24 September 2018.
Helen is the author of novels, stories, radio plays and screenplays. Her first novel, My Summer of Love, won a Betty Trask Award and became a BAFTA award-winning feature film, starring Emily Blunt. Her latest novel, Spilt Milk Black Coffee, is currently being adapted into a film by Mighty Atom Entertainment, while her radio plays appear frequently on BBC Radio 4. She is an experienced tutor having taught on a variety of residential courses and at universities, including the new MFA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.
Helen Cross says: “I’m delighted to be working with L’atelier des écrivains. Opening your life to the art of creative writing can be life changing. Beginning your journey in beautiful surroundings not only makes for a memorable, enjoyable start, it encourages wide horizons and bold ambitions.”
Co-host, Sarah Tyley said: “We are delighted that Helen is joining us –her experience will be invaluable in helping people find their creative voice and learn how to get those words out of their heads and onto the page. We know that our guest writers will benefit an enormous amount from her knowledge.”
Co-host, Becky Slack says: “If like me, you never find the time to concentrate on your writing, this workshop could be just what you need. We are combining the very best writing expertise with a beautiful and inspiring location to provide our guest writers with the perfect opportunity to leave behind the distractions of their daily lives so they can concentrate on their achieving their writing goals.”
